Stockrisers: CIF Southern Section Gold Coast League

David Yapkowitz

March 24, 2020 @ 08:33 PM

The 2019-20 season has come and gone, and each year we see different players rise up and take on expanded roles for their respective teams. Sometimes freshmen are able to step in right away and make a big impact. Older players take on a bigger role. Here’s a few players I’ve seen this year from the CIF Southern Section Gold Coast League who look poised to continue their upward trajectory. 1. JuJu Watkins – Windward 2023 There’s a reason why Watkins is considered to be the top player in her class. She came in and made an immediate impact for the Wildcats as a freshman. She’s a strong wing who looks comfortable scoring the ball. She has uses hesitation moves to keep defenders guessing. She has a solid pull-up jumper and can get to the rim. At the rim, she’s able to finish over multiple defenders. Elite potential. 2. Amber Furchs – Brentwood 2023 Furchs plays with the poise of an older player. She’s the Eagles primary ball-handler and point guard. She is a standout on both the offensive end and defensive end. Defensively, she’s quick and she lock up on ball. Forces the player she’s guarding into picking up their dribble. Offensively, she is a good three-point shooter with a quick trigger, and can get to the rim. 3. Althea Hill – Crossroads 2022 What makes Hill an effective player is her ability to shoot, especially from the three-point line. When she’s wide open, it’s near automatic. She’s patient and smart; she can pump fake a defender trying to close out and dribble in closer for a midrange shot. If need be, she can handle the ball and she can finish at the rim. Smart player with a knack for being in the right place at the right time. 4. [player_tooltip player_id="104196" first="Emma" last="Dudley"] – Brentwood 2023 Dudley forms part of a solid young group for the Eagles for the next couple of years. She is kind of a utility player, fitting in as needed, but it’s not hard to imagine her taking on a bigger role next season. She makes plays that don’t always appear on a box score. She’s out there hustling, boxing out and setting screens. Has range out to the three-point line. Doesn’t always look to score, but is able to. 5. [player_tooltip player_id="102679" first="Theresa" last="Berry"] – Sierra Canyon 2021 With the loss of this year’s senior class, Berry looks poised to take on a larger role next season for the Trailblazers. She’s a physical presence in the paint and can help replicate some of the inside play of [player_tooltip player_id="49192" first="Rosemary" last="Odebunmi"] and [player_tooltip player_id="49153" first="Alexis" last="Mark"]. She has good footwork in the post and is a solid rebounder. She moves well on the court. She’s also able to shoot a little bit from the midrange. Could have a big senior year.